Change and Flexibility - a podcast by David K Payne

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” 
― Albert Einstein

In keeping with the theme of the Road Less Traveled, Peck asserts that one must be committed to truth. Truth occurs as we see reality more clearly. The challenge for most people is that we tend to believe that what we see and understand today to be the truth, is in fact so, regardless. We become rigid and unchangeable, and instead of adapting our views to new truth and reality that we see, we develop a defensive position and create so much contention in our lives to defend our beliefs. Just this morning I had a close relative of mine call and asked my view on a long-held biblical doctrine. They stated their views were beginning to change the more they read and understood the Bible in the context and language it was written in. I was able to share my opinions, and my discussions with others and affirm that at a minimum, the doctrine was not accurate in how we had been taught it.

This same principle applies to how we live and conduct our lives. From how we spend our time talent and resources to how we raise our children and interact with our friends, those with authentic lives will be consistently changing. This change occurs as the result of new information, a better understanding of those you interact with, societal norms and views and personal growth. This is not a negative but is the evidence that someone is genuinely walking their path.

Though we all know change is a reality of life, many who are religious struggle with this as we quote scripture about God being the same and never changing, and how the truth never changes. Though it is true, God is the same yesterday today and forever, we change and therefore how we relate to God does change and how we understand God changes. The same logic applies to truth. The truth may or may not change, but our perception and understanding of things change our truth. For a fact, our truth changes because of our limited views and knowledge. We see and understand only parts of reality, and just for our present place in time, but as time and reality change our truth changes. This is not a bad thing, it again is a testimony to the fact we are alive and that we are living authentic lives.

Purpose to stop fighting over things you do not understand and don’t defend something you don’t really believe. Know that your path will continually be changing and stop feeling like a compromise when you don’t do things like those who came before us. Your truth is based on your view of reality, based on where you stand in time and the understanding that God has blessed you with.

There are times when I am so unlike myself that I might be taken for someone else of an entirely opposite character.” 
― Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Confessions

Just Be

David  

Further episodes of "the DKP Word"

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